On January 8, 2009, I read the following in the on-line Gallup Management Journal, http://gmj.gallup.com/home.aspx:
“According to Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, coauthors of Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow, it's easy for leaders to misunderstand what followers need. The confusion is exacerbated because what leaders get paid to do often is not what their followers need them to do.
To run an organization effectively, leaders must be able to strategize, set visions and priorities, build relationships, influence others, and make things happen. But if you ask followers what they need from leaders, the clear answer is trust, compassion, stability, and hope. These four basic needs are the result of Rath, Conchie, and a Gallup research team asking more than 10,000 followers what the most influential leaders contribute to their lives.”
To this day, I continue to reflect on the power of trust, compassion, stability and hope. I recognize that leaders and managers need to make things happen. I also realize that when the aforementioned four elements are present in the work place and in the relationships of those who work there, then making things happen is completely transformed.
One important step for young leaders to take is to embrace these four key points and to proactively role model them. Being trust-worthy is the first step to building trust. Being compassionate in an authentic manner builds trust at a deeper level. Third, show that the mission, vision and core values do not change and thus bring stability in an unstable world. And finally, offer hope in the midst of change is powerful. When we not only role model these concepts but also encourage others to do likewise, then we are developing a most unique and powerful flywheel, one that will propel the organization into the future.
FYI: The second edition of the Planning For Change booklet has arrived at the office from the printers and they look great. If you want to order a copy, here is a link to the order form: http://www.chartyourpath.com/pdf/Book-Order-Form-2012.pdf
Happy spring reading!
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